FA still backing Platini for Fifa presidency

The Football Association is standing by its decision to back Michel Platini for the Fifa presidency for the time being at least but says there are issues which need to be “fully examined”.

Platini is under investigation by Swiss legal authorities and FIFA’s ethics committee over a €1.8m payment he received from Fifa in 2011 for work carried out for the organisation more than nine years previously.

The Uefa president insists the delay was because of Fifa’s financial position at the time but has not explained why there was a wait of nine years. The issue was discussed at an FA board meeting yesterday.

An FA statement said: “In July, The FA board decided unanimously to support Michel Platini if he intended to stand for the presidency of Fifa. We did so because we thought he was an excellent president of Uefa and could bring those same leadership qualities to Fifa. We are still of that view.

“However, events of recent days have raised a number of issues which do need to be fully examined.”

Platini, whose status has been described by the Swiss attorney general as ”in between a witness and accused person” in the criminal proceedings involving Fifa president Sepp Blatter, has said he is still determined to stand for the presidency in February.

Blatter has also written to all Fifa’s member associations insisting the payment to Platini was legitimate. Blatter’s letter states he will stay on as president until February.